Every document you need for your Studienkolleg application. Universal requirements, country-specific extras, certification rules, and translation guidelines.
A missing document is the most common reason for rejected Studienkolleg applications. Every year, thousands of students submit incomplete files and receive a rejection letter that says nothing more than “Unterlagen unvollständig” (documents incomplete). The fix is simple: gather everything on this checklist before the application deadline.
Every Studienkolleg application requires 10 universal documents. Depending on your country, you may need additional items like an APS certificate, a Gaokao transcript, or an apostille. This guide covers all of them — plus certification rules, translation requirements, and a timeline so you know when to start.
These documents are required by virtually every Studienkolleg in Germany. Prepare certified copies and translations for each.
| # | Document | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Secondary school certificate (Schulabschlusszeugnis) | Your high school diploma or equivalent. Must include grades for all subjects |
| 2 | Transcript of records | Full academic transcript with all grades from your final secondary school years |
| 3 | German language certificate | Minimum B1 (some require B2). Accepted certificates: Goethe-Zertifikat, telc, TestDaF, ÖSD, DSH |
| 4 | Passport copy | The photo/data page of your valid passport. Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date |
| 5 | Passport-size photos | 2-4 biometric photos (35 × 45 mm, white background). Some institutions accept digital uploads only |
| 6 | Completed application form | Downloaded from the Studienkolleg’s website or submitted through uni-assist. Fill in every field — leave nothing blank |
| 7 | Curriculum vitae (Lebenslauf) | Tabular format (tabellarischer Lebenslauf), in German. Include education, language courses, and any work experience |
| 8 | Motivation letter (some institutions) | 1 page explaining why you want to attend this Studienkolleg and your study goals in Germany. Not required everywhere |
| 9 | University entrance exam results (if applicable) | Results from your country’s national exam (Gaokao, Suneung, JEE, etc.) if required for your nationality |
| 10 | Proof of application fee payment | Typically 0-100 EUR depending on the institution. If applying through uni-assist, the fee is 75 EUR for the first application + 30 EUR per additional institution |
Important: Some Studienkollegs accept applications only through uni-assist. Others manage applications directly. Always check the specific institution’s website for the correct application channel.
Depending on your country of origin, German authorities require additional proof of your educational background. These are not optional — your application will be rejected without them.
The Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) certificate is mandatory for students from India, China, and Vietnam. This document verifies the authenticity of your academic records and includes a personal interview.
| Country | APS Office | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | APS Beijing | 8-12 weeks | ~2,500 CNY |
| India | APS New Delhi | 4-8 weeks | ~18,000 INR |
| Vietnam | APS Hanoi | 4-8 weeks | ~4,500,000 VND |
Start the APS process at least 4 months before the Studienkolleg application deadline. Processing times can extend during peak periods (October-January for summer semester applications). For a detailed walkthrough of the entire APS process, see our APS certificate guide.
Mini-example: A student from Mumbai applied for the winter semester with a deadline in May. She submitted her APS application in February, received the certificate in early April, and had time to complete the rest of her Studienkolleg application. Her friend who started the APS process in April missed the deadline entirely.
Chinese students must submit their Gaokao results (高考成绩单) in addition to the APS certificate. The Gaokao transcript must be:
Since 2020, many German universities and Studienkollegs require a minimum Gaokao score for admission. The exact threshold varies by institution.
South Korean students must submit their Suneung (수능) results alongside their high school transcript (내신 성적증명서). Both documents need certified translations.
Students from several other countries must provide national university entrance exam results:
| Country | Required Exam |
|---|---|
| Turkey | YKS (Yükseköğretim Kurumları Sınavı) results |
| Iran | Konkur (کنکور) results |
| Egypt | Thanawiya Amma (ثانوية عامة) certificate |
| Nigeria | WAEC/NECO results + JAMB score |
| Pakistan | Intermediate exam results (HSSC) |
| Bangladesh | HSC results |
Not every Studienkolleg requires national exam results from every country. Check the anabin database or contact the Studienkolleg directly to confirm which documents apply to your nationality.
German institutions do not accept simple photocopies. Every document must be either certified (beglaubigt) or carry an apostille — and the rules depend on your country.
A certified copy is a photocopy of your original document that has been verified as authentic by an authorized body. The certifying authority stamps and signs the copy, confirming that it matches the original. In Germany, certified copies can be made at:
From your home country, certified copies are typically issued by:
An apostille is a form of international authentication recognized by countries that are members of the Hague Convention. It confirms that the signature and stamp on your document are genuine. The apostille is attached to or stamped on the original document (or a certified copy).
If your country is a Hague Convention member, you need an apostille. Get it from the designated authority in your country (typically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Justice).
If your country is NOT a Hague Convention member, you need full diplomatic legalization instead. This involves:
This process takes longer — plan for 2-4 weeks.
| Country | Hague Convention Member? | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| China | Yes (since 2023) | Apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| India | Yes | Apostille from MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) |
| Turkey | Yes | Apostille from the Governorship (Valilik) |
| South Korea | Yes | Apostille from MOFA |
| Russia | Yes | Apostille from the Ministry of Justice |
| Vietnam | Yes | Apostille from the Ministry of Justice or MOFA |
| Iran | No | Full legalization via Iranian MOFA + German embassy |
| Nigeria | No | Full legalization via Nigerian MOFA + German embassy |
| Egypt | No | Full legalization via Egyptian MOFA + German embassy |
| Bangladesh | No | Full legalization via Bangladeshi MOFA + German embassy |
| Pakistan | No | Full legalization via Pakistani MOFA + German embassy |
Mini-example: A student from Iran needed to legalize his high school transcript. First, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs authenticated the document. Then he brought the authenticated document to the German embassy in Tehran, which added the final legalization. The whole process took 3 weeks and cost approximately 50 EUR in fees.
All documents not written in German or English must be translated by a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer / beeidigter Übersetzer). Here is what you need to know:
A sworn translator is a professional translator who has been officially certified by a German court. Their translations carry legal validity. A translation done by a friend, family member, or non-certified translator will not be accepted.
| Document | Typical Translation Cost |
|---|---|
| School certificate (1-2 pages) | 30-60 EUR |
| Transcript of records (2-4 pages) | 50-100 EUR |
| Birth certificate | 20-40 EUR |
| Full document package (5-8 documents) | 150-350 EUR |
Prices vary by language pair and country. Translations from Arabic, Chinese, Korean, and Hindi tend to cost more due to fewer available sworn translators.
You need certified copies because you should never send originals to a Studienkolleg or to uni-assist. Originals can get lost in the mail, and you will need them for your visa appointment later.
Tip: Make 5-6 certified copies of every document before you leave your home country. You will need them for: (1) the Studienkolleg application, (2) the visa application, (3) the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners’ office) after arrival, (4) potential second applications, and (5) your own records.
A simple photocopy — even a high-quality one — is not a certified copy. Every document copy must carry an official stamp and signature from an authorized body.
Translations by language schools, bilingual friends, or online AI tools are not accepted. Only sworn translators produce legally valid translations. Check that your translator’s certification is current and issued by a recognized authority.
Students from India, China, and Vietnam frequently underestimate the APS processing time. If you apply without the APS certificate, your application is automatically rejected. Start the APS process months before the application deadline.
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. If it expires within 6 months of your planned arrival, renew it before submitting your application.
Blank fields signal an incomplete application. If a field does not apply to you, write “N/A” or “nicht zutreffend” (not applicable). Never leave it empty.
Some Studienkollegs require applications through uni-assist. Others accept direct applications only. Submitting your application through the wrong channel means it will not be processed. Double-check before you send anything.
Document preparation takes 2-4 months. Here is a realistic timeline working backward from the application deadline.
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| December (5 months before) | Start APS process (India/China/Vietnam). Request original documents from your school |
| January (4 months before) | Get apostille/legalization. Find a sworn translator |
| February (3 months before) | Complete translations. Get certified copies at the German embassy |
| March (2 months before) | Fill out the application form. Write your motivation letter and CV |
| April (1 month before) | Final check: every document on the checklist above. Submit application |
| Deadline (April-May) | Application arrives at the Studienkolleg or uni-assist |
Shift the entire timeline back by 6 months: start in June, apostille in July, translations in August, submit by October.
| Already Have | Need to Obtain |
|---|---|
| Passport | Certified copies of all certificates |
| School certificate (original) | Sworn translations of all non-German/English documents |
| Transcript (original) | Apostille or legalization |
| Passport photos | German language certificate (B1/B2) |
| APS certificate (India/China/Vietnam) | |
| Completed application form | |
| CV in German | |
| Motivation letter (if required) |
The German language certificate often takes the longest to obtain. If you are starting from A1, reaching B1 takes approximately 6-9 months of intensive study. Factor this into your planning well before you worry about other documents.
Certified copies are sufficient for the application. Never send your originals by mail — they could get lost, and replacing a secondary school certificate from your home country can take months. Keep your originals safe for the visa interview, where the embassy may want to see them.
Most Studienkollegs accept: Goethe-Zertifikat (B1 or B2), telc Deutsch (B1 or B2), TestDaF (minimum TDN 3 in all sections), ÖSD Zertifikat (B1 or B2), and DSH (Level 1 or higher). Some also accept language school certificates for the application stage, with a formal certificate required by enrollment. Always verify with your target institution.
Some Studienkollegs accept English translations, but many require German. The safest approach is to have everything translated into German. If your original documents are in English (e.g., from Nigeria, India, Pakistan), some institutions accept them without translation — but always confirm first.
Budget 150-500 EUR for the full document package, depending on your country. This includes certified copies (50-100 EUR), sworn translations (100-300 EUR), apostille or legalization (20-50 EUR), and passport photos (10-20 EUR). The APS certificate adds its own fee on top (see table above).
If you are still in school and have not received your final certificate, you can submit a preliminary transcript (vorläufiges Zeugnis) or a letter from your school confirming your expected graduation date and current grades. You must submit the final certificate as soon as you receive it — typically before enrollment.
This depends entirely on the institution. Many Studienkollegs now accept digital applications (PDF uploads). Others still require postal submissions. Uni-assist accepts both digital uploads and postal submissions depending on the specific Studienkolleg. Check the application instructions carefully.
Uni-assist is a centralized application processing service used by many German universities and some Studienkollegs. It verifies your documents and forwards your application. Not all Studienkollegs use uni-assist — some handle applications directly. The fee is 75 EUR for the first application plus 30 EUR for each additional institution in the same application cycle.
Yes. Prepare multiple sets of certified copies and translations. If applying through uni-assist, one set of documents covers all institutions you apply to through their system. If applying directly to Studienkollegs that do not use uni-assist, you need a separate set for each.
A complete, well-organized application with every document certified and translated signals to the Studienkolleg that you are a serious, prepared candidate. Missing a single document signals the opposite. Invest the time upfront — it pays off.
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